Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Kasevich to get extended big league reps during World Baseball Classic
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/bluejays
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Josh Kasevich will get a long look from the club while the infield is away at World Baseball Classic.
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Josh Kasevich is poised to receive an extended opportunity this spring while several members of the club's infield represent their countries at the World Baseball Classic.
Just a year ago, many evaluators believed Kasevich could push his way into the conversation for a role on a Blue Jays team with championship aspirations.
In 2024, he impressed at Triple-A Buffalo, hitting .325 with an .815 OPS over 41 games and showcasing the polished offensive approach that had quickly elevated his stock within the organization.
However, injuries derailed that momentum. A stress reaction in his back postponed the start of his season, and a wrist issue suffered during rehab further delayed his return.
When he finally made it back to Buffalo, the results weren't there. Kasevich hit just .184 across 29 games and struggled to impact the baseball, failing to record an extra-base hit in 74 plate appearances during the Arizona Fall League.
The power outage raised legitimate questions as he enters his age-25 campaign.
Despite the uneven year, Kasevich remains highly regarded internally.
Despite the uneven year, Kasevich remains highly regarded internally.
Blue Jays executives and player development staff continue to speak highly of him, and his supporters within the organization haven't wavered.
Even while working his way back from injury, he maintained the disciplined swing decisions and advanced bat-to-ball skills that have long defined his profile.
He provided a reminder of his upside on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, launching a 416-foot home run to left-center field.
The 103 mph drive came on a 2-2 fastball from fellow right-hander Devin Sweet and landed high off the Green Monster at JetBlue Park - no cheap shot, but a no-doubt barrel that turned heads.
Josh Kasevich is my personal choice to be the Blue Jays backup middle infielder. Prior to an injury wrecked 2025 season Kasevich put up a 107 wRC+ across two levels (AA/AAA) in 2024 (120 in Buffalo) with sterling defense.
Ernie lite profile. This is a bomb: 103 MPH/28°/416 FT
Ernie lite profile. This is a bomb: 103 MPH/28°/416 FT
A strong spring could push Kasevich firmly into the mix
With several regular infielders away for international competition, Kasevich is expected to see significant time on the left side of Toronto's infield.
Defensively, he is viewed as steady and reliable, giving him a solid foundation. If the bat heats up early in camp, he could quickly re-enter the conversation for a big-league opportunity in 2026.
While Leo Jiménez may currently sit at the front of the depth chart and Ben Cowles holds a short-term advantage due to his 40-man roster status, Kasevich shouldn't be overlooked.
A strong spring could push him firmly into the mix and position him as a potential contributor during the first half of the season.
When the updated Blue Jays Top 30 prospects list is unveiled, expect Kasevich to land somewhere in the 10-15 range, and perhaps even higher if this resurgence continues.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays shut down two pitchers, announce MRI results
Toronto Blue Jays shut down two pitchers, announce MRI results
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 24|73 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Kasevich to get extended big league reps during World Baseball Classic Do you think Josh Kasevich will make his MLB debut in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 45.2 % |
| No | 20 | 27.4 % |
| Too early to tell | 20 | 27.4 % |
| List of polls | ||